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Guanabana (Annona muricata) is a fruit tree and member of the custard apple family (Annonaceae). The guanabana leaf has been studied extensively for its anti-cancer properties, but traditional medicine has used all parts of the tree for pain, inflammation, malaria, diabetes, and parasites. Read on to learn about the benefits and side effects of guanabana.

What is Guanabana?

Guanabana, also known as soursop or graviola, is native to tropical areas of Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is part of the custard apple family and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including Africa and Southeast Asia [R, R].The guanabana is most known for its creamy, tangy fruit pulp. But, traditional practices have used all portions of the guanabana plant to treat conditions from fever to malaria [R].

More than 200 phytochemicals in guanabana have been studied for their ability to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases [R].

Leaves, twigs, roots, and seeds of the guanabana induced apoptosis in leukemia cancer cells by decreasing the ability of cancerous cells to survive and function, disrupting the membrane of the mitochondria [R].

2) Guanabana Has Antioxidant Effects

Antioxidants derived from plants can have protective effects against free radicals involved in the development of diseases such as cancer.

According to several studies, the high antioxidant concentrations of guanabana leaves, fruit, and peel prevented oxidative damage in cells by scavenging free radicals and reducing reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species production can result in DNA damage and cell death [R, R, R, R, R, R].

Guanabana flower extracts also exhibited high antioxidant activities and could have used as a food oil preservative to prevent spoiling [R].

12) Guanabana Leaf May Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Ulcer lesions were reduced in rats pre-treated with guanabana leaf extracts. This action was likely due to the extract’s high antioxidant content, which reduced oxidative damage and protected the stomach wall [R, R].

18) Guanabana May Help Reduce Symptoms of Allergies

Side Effects

Despite their remarkable anti-cancer potential, guanabana’s acetogenins can be toxic to nerve cells and cross the blood-brain barrier [R].

Studies on populations in the West Indies suggest a potential relationship between high consumption rates of guanabana fruit and tea, and a higher incidence of movement disorders like atypical parkinsonism [R, R, R].

After 12 months, guanabana juice consumption in mice increased the production of reactive nitrogen species, molecules that can damage cells [R].

Guanabana juice and leaf extracts may intensify the effects of the venomous pit viper snake [R].

Limitations and Caveats

Most of the benefits of guanabana were only studied in animals and cells. While the findings are significant, these benefits may or may not apply to humans, and these extracts need to be further evaluated for effects, optimal dosage, long-term safety, and potential side effects.

Drug Interactions

No drug interactions have been documented.

Natural Sources/Forms of Supplementation

Guanabana fruit is typically eaten raw and ripened and can be incorporated into drinks, smoothies, and desserts. The fruit may also be jarred as a puree or as a juice. Seeds should be avoided due to their toxic nature. Guanabana can also be roasted or fried like a vegetable.

Guanabana tea made from the leaves is readily available from suppliers but should be enjoyed in moderation due to potential neurotoxicity [R, R, R].

Guanabana supplements are available through suppliers but have not been evaluated for potency, effectiveness, or toxicity in humans.

Dosage

Recommended dosing of guanabana fruit, leaves, stems, or bark has not been established due to the lack of human trials.

Doses of up to 2 g/kg of guanabana juice per day for 60 days were not toxic to rats based on vital organ weight and blood parameters [R].

Assuming consumption of tea 3 times a day, a person would need to consume more than 71 cups of guanabana tea per day to reach a lethal dose of consumption [R, R].

User Experiences

Several users found that guanabana supplements helped boost their immune system.

Another reviewer found the supplement improved skin boils, digestive health, and energy.

A woman going through menopause found guanabana supplements to be highly effective in regulating mood, stress, hormones, and blood pressure.

FDA Compliance

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

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JOE COHEN

CEO, SelfHacked

About Joe

Growing up, Joe was plagued with a myriad of health issues such as gut problems, autoimmune issues, chronic fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and general inflammation. Both conventional and alternative doctors weren’t able to help him, so he decided to fix himself. With lots of health questions and few satisfying answers, Joe decided to read every research paper he could get his hands on and conduct thousands of experiments on his own body in order to fix his health issues. Joe started SelfHacked in late 2013 when he successfully fixed all of his issues, and now it gets millions of readers a month looking to educate themselves about how they can improve their health. Joe is now a thriving author, speaker, and serial entrepreneur, founding SelfDecode & LabTestAnalyzer.

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